2021’s first Pioneer Update comes from some of our Core Team and Staff as they share news and updates on the recent Women Leader’s Conference, our upcoming Annual Leader’s Conference, 40 Days of Prayer, Safeguarding and Pioneer RISE!
Judith on ‘Choosing to Rejoice’.
Choose to rejoice. Those were the words on our Lectio365 daily devotional which resonated. CHOOSE to rejoice. I find these long lockdown days I am having to do more choosing to rejoice- don’t know about you.
I’ve been thinking about Hagar recently when she fled into the desert after being mistreated by her mistress Sarah because she had become pregnant by Abraham, at Sarah’s suggestion. Now I can’t compare my experience with Hagar’s, but it does feel a bit desert like as we live our lives without seeing close friends and family, without hugs, without seeing people except on screens, without being able to work in the usual way, without our usual income, without gathering for worship together, without being able to confidently plan any of the above.
Song of the Week – So Will I – Hillsong
One of those bible narrative songs that capture aspects of the divine drama in beautiful eloquent words against the backdrop of a quietly majestic melody.
Following Others in Their Journey With Jesus
This week Caroline talks to us about the examples of other people and our community. How can their journeys inspire us in our journey with God.
Song of the Week – Be Thou My Vision – Audrey Assad
This ancient Irish hymn resonates with all aspects of how we might see God and how that unfolds in our daily experience. This a beautiful, vocal driven version by Audrey Assad.
To be a Pilgrim – Finding the truths that shape your life
Ruth Kenward shares on the journeys and retreats of some ancient Irish saints. How did their retreat from the world shape them for profound impact on their return to their locality and influence many others further afield. How you could retreat so that you can advance?
This is the third in our Journeys with God series
We need to pray – just to make it through the day
We pray Sundays, Tuesdays – often twice. We have a prayer partner scheme. Soon we will pray almost everyday in the Quiet Garden prayer room. But in the meantime here are other prayer gatherings that we want to encourage you to participate in
Eastbourne Prayer Day
This event runs from 9.00am to 1.00pm. You can be there the whole time or come in for an hour. It will take place on Zoom and includes contributions from over 15 people to help us pray in an informed way for the town. We will send out the link on Friday but ideally you would register to help us understand what the numbers are going to be.
February 4th
We’re taking part in the Pioneer 40 days of Prayer and Feb 4th is our day. We will pray at 4 different times of the day and also send you information for your personal prayers on that day. We’ll give you more information nearer the time.
Deliberate Journeys – When Jesus Calls You To An Adventure
Dave Roberts shares in the second of our new series on Journeys with Jesus. The focus is on John 4:4 and Jesus willingness to go to Samaria with all risk to his reputation that might involve as he travels almost to the door of a competing temple and starts the mission that would go to the nations, through a woman. Discover how this impacts our understanding of mission and witness today.
Gather Collective – Song of the Week
We sing old songs, new songs and ancient hymns. We seek to reflect our teaching themes with the use of relevant songs. Our Songs of the Week will generally be new songs that we are learning but at other times they might just be great songs that express timeless truths. We are starting with I am Who You Say I am – a song about grace, identity and emotional resilience.
Six things you can do to help your child’s mental health during lockdown – Jenni Osborn
Of course, some children are loving lockdown. No school and no early morning bus journey in the freezing cold. But some are hating it and may be hiding it well. Jenni Osborn offers some ideas to make lockdown that much better for you and your children. Read more here in Youthwork magazine